Dim dipped headlight (and running light)
Moderators: jifflemon, coyote1980, Rachel
Dim dipped headlight (and running light)
Our driver's side dipped headlight is dim, and the same-side running light seems dim too. Full beam not dim. Have wiggled fuses and the main switch on the steering column. Oh (edit) have changed bulbs too. I'd really welcome any bright ideas (pun intended, sorry)... I never could understand this stuff...
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glasgowjim
- 480 Is my middle name
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- Location: GLASGOW SCOTLAND
Re: Dim dipped headlight (and running light)
First
Main beams both ok
driver side dip beam very dim
Is the DRL bulb ok and is its socket not corroded ?
easy check take the front clusters out and switch over the drl bulb holder adn bulbs from one side to the other. This will remove a number of possiblities .
next get a multi meter and check on voltage and currents (use 10A setting on meter).
let us know of your results it may well be a faulty wire or possibily the dip dim relay thats dying amongst other things.
keep me appraised of the steps you have taken and we can solve this problem
Main beams both ok
driver side dip beam very dim
Is the DRL bulb ok and is its socket not corroded ?
easy check take the front clusters out and switch over the drl bulb holder adn bulbs from one side to the other. This will remove a number of possiblities .
next get a multi meter and check on voltage and currents (use 10A setting on meter).
let us know of your results it may well be a faulty wire or possibily the dip dim relay thats dying amongst other things.
keep me appraised of the steps you have taken and we can solve this problem
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Captain Slow
- 480 Expert
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- Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:13 pm
- Location: St Andrews
Re: Dim dipped headlight (and running light)
What he said up there 
Presumably the same light is dim when youre on 'side lights' (the first position of the rotary switch after the popups popup) as well?
Presumably the same light is dim when youre on 'side lights' (the first position of the rotary switch after the popups popup) as well?
Previously....
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Whitney - 95 N White celebration No.449/480 now with Ladyforatey
Lula - 94 M Volvo 480GT Sold on...
Daphne - 95 M volvo 440si 1.8 73,000K (sold :()
Re: Dim dipped headlight (and running light)
Thanks folks.
DRL bulb was initially blown, replaced before I posted the results above. Driver dipped beam was afflicted as it is now before & after DRL replaced.
The old DRL bulb was a beast to remove, that corrosion/welding you get beween different metals. Lots of WD40 & a couple of cut fingers (yes, it shattered). Main bulb & socket seemed fine.
Dumb questions:
I guess I test voltage with the bulb out of circuit, just across the terminals?
Same with current?
I have no clue which terminal is which in the bulb socket. I can research it, but if anyone can offer a pointer it'd be really handy.
And to be Xtra dumb - re. the Captain's question, is the 'sidelights' position likely the second photo above? Darn, I'll have to go and check, my mind has turned to mush. But I guess there may be a clue (to the wise, not to me) in the fact that the DRL bulb is dim as well as the dipped. In the second photo I think the bulb is lit, but you'd have to press your eyeball against the lamp to see it.
Thanks again, I appreciate the help and also the reassuring words from GJ,
R
DRL bulb was initially blown, replaced before I posted the results above. Driver dipped beam was afflicted as it is now before & after DRL replaced.
The old DRL bulb was a beast to remove, that corrosion/welding you get beween different metals. Lots of WD40 & a couple of cut fingers (yes, it shattered). Main bulb & socket seemed fine.
Dumb questions:
I guess I test voltage with the bulb out of circuit, just across the terminals?
Same with current?
I have no clue which terminal is which in the bulb socket. I can research it, but if anyone can offer a pointer it'd be really handy.
And to be Xtra dumb - re. the Captain's question, is the 'sidelights' position likely the second photo above? Darn, I'll have to go and check, my mind has turned to mush. But I guess there may be a clue (to the wise, not to me) in the fact that the DRL bulb is dim as well as the dipped. In the second photo I think the bulb is lit, but you'd have to press your eyeball against the lamp to see it.
Thanks again, I appreciate the help and also the reassuring words from GJ,
R